Laying of Hands

“So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 9:17 ESV

Greetings Everyone!

 This month, we will look at the fourth essential teaching that was written in the book of Hebrews 6:1-2 (NKJV),

“Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.”

In these past few months, we have learned about repentance from dead works, faith in God, and the doctrine of baptisms. This month, I will discuss “laying on of hands.”

 After a sermon, the pastor or evangelist would allow people to pray to God while still meditating on the message from the service or responding to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, and they would come to the front of the church and pray in a space designated as the altar, this is called altar call. During the altar call, the pastor or evangelist will pray over the person by applying oil and laying their hands on the individual’s head, shoulder, or area that needs healing. So, what does laying on of hands means? Before I answer the question, let’s break down the laying on of hands in Hebrew and Greek.

In Hebrew, laying (lean) on of hands means “semichah.” In Greek, it means “epithesis.”  The act of laying hands has many significant meanings: in consecration (Leviticus 1:4), in ordination (Numbers 8:10), in healing (Mark 7:32), in blessing (Mark 10:15-16), and solemnizing testimony (Lev. 24:14). However, the writer was referring to imparting spiritual gifts. Paul affirmed in 1 Timothy 1:6-7 (ESV), “For this reason, I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” Through the laying of the hands of the elders, Timothy not only received his spiritual gift. He also received authority, love, and self-discipline. Receiving a blessing and a spiritual gift from this symbolic act is truly a divine confirmation from God. However, laying hands on someone without consulting God can lead to misinterpretation and confusion.

 Laying on of hands is performed during an ordination ceremony. The candidate is being installed as an elder or in certain offices in the church (Acts 6:6 and 1 Tim. 4:14). Church leaders are encouraged not to appoint someone (laying on of hands) too quickly. In 1 Tim. 5:22 (ESV), Paul encourages Timothy not to be impulsive when laying on of hands. “Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure.” Even as a church leader, be God-led, not emotionally led, before giving someone a leadership position. Use that time to observe the candidate and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in selecting someone. Acts 6:3 (ESV) says, “Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.”

There is no power in laying on of hands in itself. The power comes from being in the will of God. We should always stay in prayer, fast, and study the word of God (Acts 14:23). So, when we lay our hands on someone, it can be a blessing.

Next month, I will be discussing the resurrection of the dead.